INTRODUCTION

The tetraploid cottons ( G. hirsutum and G.barbadense )are generally susceptible to biotic as well as abioticstresses. Therefore, to cope up with these problems, onepossible measure was thought to develop long/mediumlinted spinable G.arboreum, and G.herbaceum varieties.These both the species are deep rooted which providetolerance against drought as well as inbuilt tolerant topest and diseases which can with stand better ascompared to hirsutum cotton under biotic and abioticconditions. This will stabilize the cotton production underadverse agro-c1imatic condition and will help in reducingenvironment pollution as compared to hirsutum as theserequire less pesticide load. Development of productivetetraploid cotton as well as Bt cotton lead to the significantdecline in desi cotton cultivated area. Desi cotton beingdrought tolerant and pest resistant, it is essential topromote cultivation of desi varieties. To achieve this weneed to evolve cotton varieties with superior fibre qualityand yield. This will be eventually helpful for marginalfarmers. Also there is an increasing demand for shortstaple cottons which can be met by the cultivation ofdiploid cottons.Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) is a serious threat toAmerican cotton cultivation particularly in the NorthIndian cotton growing states namely Punjab, Haryanaand Rajasthan. Losses in seed cotton yield ranging from10 to 90 per cent have been reported. Desi cottons areimmune to this deadly disease and are also tolerant tosucking insect pests like jassid and whitefly. Therefore,development of desi cotton lines with long/medium lintedspinable fibre has become an important research activityin the country.

OBJECTIVES

•. To test the performance of quality arboreums derivedfrom breeding material and germplasm in comparisonwith hirsutum cotton.

•. To screen available breeding material in earlygeneration to tap transgressive seggregants havinghigh boll number, big boll size and high fiber qualities topromote them in common trial.

•. To test the performance of quality herbaceums derivedfrom breeding material and germplasm.

•. Demonstration of newly identified medium staple/ longlinted early maturing G arboreum genotypes onfarmers' field.

SALIENT FINDINGS

(I) Common arboreum trial

The common arboreum trial was conducted at elevenlocations (Sriganganagar, Ludhiana, Sirsa, Bharuch,Banswara, Jalgaon, Nagpur, Akola, Parbhani, Mudhol &Dharwad) comprised of 18 entries along with threechecks including local arboreum, hirsutum check andquality check PA 255. The local arboreum checks are onall India basis none of the genotypes could out yield thelocal arboreum check and hirsutum check (Table 1.1.1).The seed cotton yield ranged from 820 kg/ha to 1588kg/ha. Only one genotype RG 509 (1158 kg/ha) recordedhigher seed cotton yield numerically than the qualitycheck PA255 (1103 kg/ha). The boll weight exhibited veryless variability (ranged from 2.0g to 2.4g). The 2.5% spanlength varied from 23.8mm to 28.9mm, micronaire from6.0 to 4.5 and bundle strength from 16.0 g/tex to 21.5g/tex.

2.5% SL(mm)24.026.126.125.725.826.027.328.4

24.728.4

28.927.827.4

24.726.828.4

23.827.0

Strength(g/tex)16.018.118.320.220.119.120.520.818.619.920.220.821.018.518.4

21.518.520.4

SCY(Kg/ha)------..•.

LD 987 949RG 508 1090RG 509 1158CISA6 891CINA369 930CINA363 907PA646 949PA 733 911AKA 0209 1019GBaV 111 963GBaV 122 895DWDOArb-09-01 888DWDOArb-09-02 820MOL 2452 1065JLA0613 1192PA255 1103LC(a) 1356===LC(h) 1588CD at 5% 239CV 14.4

Local checks (arboreum) : LD 694, G.Cot.19, RG 8, CISA 310, AKA 8401, JLA 794, AKA 8, PA 402, DLSA 17and Veena.Local checks (hirsutum): LH 207, RS 2013, G.Cot.16, Phule-688,AKH-8828, LRA5166, NH 615, Narasimha andSahana.

GOT( %)34.836.537.935.034.734.835.934.836.934.533.734.634.736.835.035.736.736.8

50.051.149.549.149.050.651.348.549.852.251.2

Table 1.1.2 : Mean seed cotton yield (kg/ha) andfibre properties of entries in north zone trial.

Sr. Entry Name

(II) Zonal trials of entries selected fromcommon arboreum trialA. North Zone: The zonal arboreum trial was conductedat three locations (Sriganganagar, Ludhiana & Sirsa,)comprised of 18 entries along with three checks. None ofthe genotypes gave higher seed cotton yield (Table 1.1.2)than the local arboreum and hirsutum check. The highestseed cotton yield was recorded by RG 509 (1140 kg/ha)followed by RG 508 (1042 kg/ha) & LD 987 (962 kg/ha).These entries were significantly superior to commoncheck PA255 (707 kg/ha) but cannot surpass local checkCISA310 (1908 kg/ha) as well as hirsutum check (2166kg/ha). For staple length, none of the genotype couldsurpass common quality check PA 255 (28.8 mm).Entries which gave staple length near to quality check PA255, areJLA0613 (27.7mm), LD 987 (27.6mm)& RG 508(27.5mm). In case of strength also none of the genotypesoutcross the quality check PA 255 (21.3 g/tex) CISA 6showed strength (20.3 g/tex ) more than local arboreumand hirsutum checks. RG 508 (4.8) & RG 509 (4.9)recorded comparable micronaire value to common checkPA255 (4.8) and hirsutum check (4.8).

Mean (North Zone)

SCY 2.5% SL Strength MIC

(kg/ha) (mm) (g/tex)

1140 26.9 17.9 4.9

1042 27.5 18.8 4.8

962 27.6 18.7 5.2

926 25.8 20.3 5.4

839 25 18.9 5.8

689 25 18.5 5.4

632 27.7 18.6 5.2

707 28.8 21.3 4.8

1908 19.6 16.1 6.7

2166 26.4 19.9 4.8

188.7

No.

1 RG509

2 RG508

3 LD987

4 CISA6

5 AKA 0209

6 MOL 2452

7 JLA0613

PA255

CISA 310 (LC-a

RS2013 (LC-h)

. CDat5%

Local checks (arboreum) : LD694,CISA310, RG 8Local checks (hirsutum) : LH 2076, RS 2013

B. South Zone:The common arboreum trial was conducted at twolocations (Mudhol & Dharwad) comprised of 18 entriesalong with three checks including local arboreum check,hirsutum check and quality check PA 255. The highestseed cotton yield (Table 1.1.3) was recorded by MOL2452 (1188 kg/ha) followed byJLA0613 (1106 kg/ha) andPA 733 (1063 kg/ha). These entries were significantlysuperior to arboreum check (922 kg/ha) but cannotout yield common check PA 255 (1257 kg/ha) as well ashirsutum check (1399 kg/ha). Highest staple length wasshown by GBaV 122 (28.8 mm) whereas all the checksrecorded lesser staple length: common check PA 255(27.7 mm), arboreum check (26.8) and hirsutum check(27.3 mm). Entries DWD-Arb-09-01 (20.7 g/tex) andGBaV 122 (20.7 g/tex) recorded higher fibre strengththan all the three checks. Entries DWD-Arb-09-01recorded comparable micronaire (5.0) to common checkPA255 (5.0) but hirsutum check (4.4) showed better MICvalue.

Table 1.1.3 : Mean seed cotton yield (kg/ha) andFibre properties of entries in south zone trialS. Entry Mean( South Zone)No. Name SCY 2.5% SL Strength MIC

(kg/ha) (mm) (g/tex)1 MOL 2452 1188 24.6 18.1 62 JLA0613 1106 26 17.1 5.73 PA 733 1063 27.2 20.1 5.24 PA646 977 27.4 19.2 5.4

5 DWD-Arb-09-01 867 27.3 20.7 56 GBaV 122 795 28.8 20.7 5.77 RG 509 739 25 18.1 5.18 PA255 1257 27.7 20.4 59 LC(a) 922 26.8 19.6 5.610 LC(h) 1399 27.3 19.4 4.4

CD at 5% 223.5

Local checks (arboreum): DLSA 17, VeenaLocal checks (hirsutum) : Sahana

C. Central Zone:The common arboreum trial was conducted at sixlocations (Bharuch, Banswara, Jalgaon, Nagpur, Akola &Parbhani) comprised of 18 entries along with threechecks including local arboreum, local hirsutum andquality check PA 255. The highest seed cotton yield(Table 1.1.4) was recorded by JLA 0613 (1500 kg/ha)which was higher than common check PA 255 (1251kg/ha), arboreum check (1225 kg/ha) and hirsutum check(1361 kg/ha). Other two high yielding entries RG 509(1307 kg/ha) & GBaV 111 (1282 kg/ha) surpassed bothcommon & arboreum checks but cannot outyieldhirsutum check. Highest staple length was shown byGBaV 111 (28.5 mm) and common check PA 255 (28.5mm). Highest Strength was recorded by GBaV 111 (20.5g/tex) compared to hirsutum check (21.4 g/tex). RG 508(4.6) showed least MIC value whereas other two entriesRG 509 (4.8) & GBaV 111 (4.8) showed equal MIC value

as compared to the common check PA 255 (4.8) andhirsutum check (4.8).

Table 1.1.4 : Mean seed cotton yield (kg/ha) andFibre properties of entries in central zone trial

S. Entry Mean (Central Zone)No. Name SCY 2.5% SL Strength MIC

(Kg/ha) mm} (g/tex)

1 JL 0613 1500 26.5 18.82 RG509 1307 26 18.63 GBaV 111 1282 28.5 20.54 RG 508 1244 25.3 17.95 AKA 0209 1234 24.8 18.86 MOL 245 1212 24.6 18.77 CINA 363 1201 26 19.4

PA 255 1251 28.5 22LC(a) 1225 25.1 19.5LC(h) 1362 27.3 21.2CD at 5% 269.4

Local checks (arboreum): G.Cot.19, RG 8, AKA8401, JLA 794,AKA8, PA402.Local checks (hirsutum) : G.Cot.16, Phule-688,AKH-8828, LRA5166, NH 615.

(III). Common harbaceum trialThe common herbaceum trial was conducted at threelocations (Bharuch, Banswara & Dharwad) comprised of8 entries along with three checks including localarboreum & local herbaceum checks. The highest seedcotton yield (Table 1.1.5) was recorded by Gbhv 270(1697 kg/ha) which was significantly superior to commoncheck G Cot 23 (1193 kg/ha), local check (1079 kg/ha).All other entries of the trial showed superior yield thanboth the checks. Highest staple length was shown byRBDV 33 (28.3 mm) equal to common check G Cot 23(28.3 mm). Highest strength was shown by commoncheck G Cot 23 (22.0 g/tex). The entries which showncomparable strength was Gbhv 270 (21.3 g/tex) & RBDV33 (20.9 g/tex). Local Check PK 1 showed MIC value of4.0

Table 1.1.5 : Mean seed cotton yield (kg/ha) andfibre properties of entries in common herbaceumtrial over three locations.S. Entry Mean (Herbaceum Trial)No Name S Y 2.5% SL Strength MIC

(Kg/ha) (mm) (g/tex)

1697 26.1 19 31526 27.41410 28.31308 25.91287 27.61219 27.51193 28.31079 27.1156.7

1 Gbhv-2702 Gbhv-2743 RBDV-334 RBDV-345 DWD-hrb-016 DWD-hrb-09

G Cot 23 (C.check)

PK-1 (LC)CD at 5%

21.3 JI20.918.4 II20.020.022.0

5.75.95.75.56.06.05.4

4.0

(IV).lntrogression TrialThe common introgression trial was conducted at threelocations (Parbhani, Nagpur & Dharwad) comprised of 10entries along with three check including local arboreum,local hirsutum and quality checks. The highest seedcotton yield (Table 1.1.6) was recorded by Dla-08-26(1099 kg/ha), followed by PAIG 39 (1083 kg/ha) and PAIG62 (1080 kg/ha) which were superior to arboreum check(810 kg/ha). However, no entry could out yield hirsutumcheck (1142 kg/ha). For staple length for, PAIG 325 (28.4mm), PAIG 326 (27.9 mm), PAIG 62 (27.2 mm) & PAIG 39(27.1 mm) recorded higher values than the all the checks.Entries DLSA-8-26 (21.8 g/tex), PAIG 62 (21.1 g/tex),PAIG 325 (20.9 g/tex), PAIG 326 (20.7 g/tex), PAIG 39(20.5 g/tex) & PAIG 12 (20.4 g/tex) had outperformed allthe checks. Lowest MIC value was shown by hirsutumcheck LRK 516 (4.3). Other entry which recorded thelowest MIC value was PAIG 325 (5.0) & Dla-08-26 (5.1).

Table 1.1.6 : Mean seed cotton yield (kg/ha) andfibre properties of introgression trial conducted onthree location.Sr. Entry Name Mean (Over locations)No. SCY 2.5%SL Strength MIC

(Kg/ha) (mm) (g/tex)

1 Dla-08-26 1099 26.6 21.8 5.12 PAIG-39 1083 27.1 20.5 5.33 PAIG-62 1081 27.2 21.1 5.34 PAIG-326 1074 27.9 20.7 5.35 PAIG-77 1047 26.2 18.6 5.66 PAIG-12 1032 26.4 20.4 5.27 PAIG-325 1023 28.4 20.9 5.08 PA-255 (CC) 1078 26.6 20.3 5.29 AKA-8401 (LC) 810 26.0 19.1 5.210 LRK-516 (HC) 1142 26.3 19.5 4.3

CD (0.5) 236.4

(V)Evaluation of promising cultures in zonal trialsA)North Zonal Trial:The zonal arboreum trial was conducted at threelocations (Sriganganagar, Ludhiana & Sirsa,) comprisedof 9 entries along with three checks including localarboreum, local hirsutum check and quality check PA255. None of the genotypes could out yield (Table 1.1.7)both hirsutum check (2054 kg/ha) and arboreum check(1916 kg/ha). But all the three high yielding entries CISA-6-295 (1726 kg/ha), RG 514 (1523 kg/ha) & CISA-6-350(1382 kg/ha) could significantly out yielded commoncheck PA 255 (758.8 kg/ha). Highest staple length wasshown by common check PA 255 (27.5 mm). Higheststrength was shown by common check PA 255 (19.8g/tex) & hirsutum check (19.7 g/tex). Entries other thanchecks of high strength were LD 936 (18.6 g/tex), LD 960(18.6 g/tex ) & CISA -6-295 (18.5 g/tex). Local hirsutumcheck recorded MIC value of 4.8 whereas no other entryshows MIC value close to it.

Table 1.1.7 : Mean seed cotton yield (kg/ha) andfibre properties of north zonal trial.Sr. EntryNo. Name

1 CISA-6-2952 RG 5143 CISA-6-3504 RG5795 LD9366 LD9607 PA2558 LCa9 LCh

CD5%

Mean (North Zone Trial)SCY 2.5% SL Strength MIC(kg/ha) (mm) (g/tex)1726 27.1 18.5 5.51523 26.2 18.2 5.41382 25 18.3 5.51234 25.1 18.0 5.81192 24.2 18.6 6.01080 25.4 18.6 5.8759 27.5 19.8 5.31916 20.5 16.4 7.02054 26.2 19.7 4.8138.9

Local checks (arboreum): LD 694, CISA310, RG 8Local checks (hirsutum): LH 2076, RS 2013.

B) Central & South Zone Trial:The highest seed cotton yield was recorded by JLA 505(1293 kg/ha) which was higher than all checks: commoncheck PA255 (1284 kg/ha), arboreum check (1129 kg/ha)and hirsutum check (1227 kg/ha) (Table 1.1.8) Other twohigh yielding entries AKA 9620 (1268 kg/ha) & AKA 9703(1249 kg/ha) surpass both arboreum & hirsutum checksbut cannot out yield common check. Entries with highstaple length DLSA-8-26 (28.9 mm) & DNSA 25 (28.2mm) had out performed all the checks. In case of strengthalso four entries DNSA 25 (22.3 g/tex), JLA 505 (21.0g/tex), DLSA-8-26 (21.0 g/tex) & PA 532 (20.9 g/tex ) outperformed all the three checks. Only single entry DLSA-8-26 (4.8) shown comparable value of MIC with localhirsutum check (4.6).Table 1.1.8: Mean seed cotton yield (kg/ha) andfibre properties of central and south zone trialSr. Entry Name Mean (Central & South Zone Trial)No. SCY 2.5% SL Strength MIC

(kg/ha) (mm)

1293 26.91268 26.01249 25.61214 27.11155 28.91129 27.01063 28.21051 26.51284 27.61129 26.51227 28.1240.3

1 JLA-5052 AKA-96203 AKA-97034 PA-5285 DLSA-8-266 PA-5327 DNSA-258 MDL-26179 PA-255 (CC)10 (LCA)11 (LCH)

C.D.±

21.020.219.920.521.020.922.319.4

20.619.320.8

5.35.35.45.24.85.15.05.55.25.04.6

Local checks (arboreum) : G.Cot.19, RG 8, AKA8401, JLA 794,AKA8, PA402, DLSA 17, Veena.Local checks (hirsutum) : G.Cot. 16, Phule-688,AKH-8828, LRA5166, NH 615, Sahana, Narasimha.

Performence of promising materials at individual

centres

Akola

Among the arboreum genotypes JLA-0613 ranked firstfor seed cotton yield (1354 kg/ha) followed by AKA-0209(1281 kg/ha). However, AKA-0209 ranked first for lintyield (478 kg/ha) followed by JLA-0613 (462 kg/ha).None of the genotype recorded significantly superiorginning percentage over the checks. The highest ginningpercentage was recorded by the hirsutum check AKH-8828 (41.2 %) followed by arboreum genotype RG-509(39.5 %). The genotype JLA-0613 (17) recorded thehighest number of bolls per plant followed by AKA-0209(16) whereas, the highest boll weight was recorded byhirsutum check AKH-8828 (3.3 g) followed by thearboreum genotype Gbav 111(3.0g) g).In central and South zone trial none of the genotyperecorded significantly superior ginning percentage overthe checks. The highest ginning percentage wasrecorded by the hirsutum check (41.4 %) followed byarboreum genotype AKA-9620 (37.4 %). The genotypeJLA-505 recorded the highest number of bolls (15) perplant followed by AKA-9620 (13). The highest boll weightwas recorded by hirsutum check AKH-8828 (3.2 g)followed by the arboreum genotype PA-528 (2.9 g).Thehigher seed cotton yield were recorded by JLA 505(1436kg/ha) followed byAKA9703 (1392 kg//ha).Four demonstrations were given to four farmers in threeDistricts of Vidarbha region. Two demonstrations weregiven to the farmers in Amravati district and one each inAkola and Washim district. AKH-8828 recorded thehighest seed cotton yield (1581 kg/ha) followed by AKA-9703 (1469 kg/ha), AKA-8 (1381 kg/ha) and PA-255(1375 kg/ha). Among the arboreum genotypesAKA-9703recorded 6.82 % and 6.34 % increased seed cotton yieldover common check PA-255 and local check AKA-8,respectively.

Banswara

RBDV-33 has performed well across the location in yieldand quality characters. On the basis of two yearperformance this entry is moved for ATC testing.Bharuch

Under this project, efforts were made to develop, long /medium Iinted varities of G.herbacum and G. arboreumcottons. Out of 176 and 60 genotype of G. arboreum andG.herbaceum tested at Bharuch, 4 and 33 genotypeswere sponsored to different AICCIP trials, respectively.New strain GBav-122 and GBav-123 were identities forfiber quality.Dharwad

Improved genotypes, RAAS-931 and ARBAS -105 wereevaluated in coordinated trial of AICCIP and commontrials of TMC. These strains possessed superior fiberquality and were on par with respect to seed cotton yieldas compared to local check. However, some of the linesviz: Dela-6, Dela-25, DNSa-25, DLSa-08-26, DNSa-08-27, and DNSa-08-28, Dwd-arb-09-01, Dwd-arb-09-01have been contributed by Dharwad centre and were verygood for introgressing quality parameters and beenproved promising for introgressing these traits to thesome of the well adopted north and central zonevarieties.Jalgaon

The genotype JLA-505 tested in Central Zone and SouthZone trial and JLA-0613 tested in Common Trial ofTMCMM 11.1Mudhol

Varieties MDL 2617 and MDL 2452 were evaluated incoordinated trials of AICCIP/common trials of TMC.These strains were having desired staple length wereeither at par or higher in yields as compared to Veena andPA 255 check. MDL 2617 ranked 9th position in CentralZone AICCIP Br. 22 (b) trial and in 11th position in SouthZone with respect to seed cotton yield. In common trialentry MDL 2452 recorded the highest seed cotton yield(1447 Kg/ha) which was superior to local arboreum checkVeena (1070 Kg/ha)Nagpur

CINAseries were developed which proved superior to theearlier arboreum varieties in respect of diverse traits for,fibre quality, tolerance to abiotic stresses and also a fewcultures bearing specific marker characters. The culturesdeveloped were CINA 316, CINA 333, CINA-334, CINA335, CINA 336, 337, CINA 338,CINA 340, CINA 340A,CINA 341, CINA 342, CINA 343, CINA 344, CINA 345,CINA347, CINA348, CINA349, CINA350 and CINA375.CAN 363 and CINA 369 with high yield and superior fibrequality traitsParbhani

Under Common Trial, results were statistically significantfor seed cotton yield. As many as two, five and one strainsrecorded significant superiority over quality arboreumcheck, PA-255 (1207 kg/ha.), local arboreum check PA-402 (1061 kg/ha) and local hirsutum check, NH-615(1159 kg/ha), respectively. The strain JLA-613 recorded

highest seed cotton yield (1366 kg/ha) followed by PA-733 (1302 kg/ha) and PA-646 (1276 kg/ha). The ginningoutturn ranged from 34.31 (Gbav-111) to 38.69 per cent(PA-646) amongst the strains under testing. The strainPA-646 recorded highest ginning outturn (38.69%)followed by PA-733 (37.80 %) and MDL-2452 (37.64 %).A range of 24.40 (MDL-2452) to 28.00 mm (Gbav-122)was observed amongst the strains under testing. Thestrain Gbav-122 recorded highest staple length (28.00mm) followed by PA-733 (27.90 mm) and Gbav-111(27.73 mm). The strain PA-733 recorded highest lint yield(484 kg/ha) followed by PA-646 (482 kg/ha) and MDL-2452 (462 kg/ha). 2.5 % SL of different strains rangedfrom 24.8 mm (LD-987, RG-508 and MDL-2452) to 29.6mm (Gbav-111). Micronaire value ranged from 4.8 to 6.7.The strain DWD-Arb-09-02 has recorded highest fibrestrength (25.3 g/tex) followed by PA-646 (21.1 g/tex) andPA-733 (21.0 g/tex). In general, performance of thestrains PA-733 and PA-646 was excellent for seed cottonyield, with better combination of ginning outturn (38.00%)and staple length (above 27.00 mm).The strain PAIG-39 recorded highest seed cotton yield(1283 kg/ha) followed by PAIG-325 (1268 kg/ha) andPAIG-62 (1212 kg/ha). The ginning outturn ranged from34.42 (Dla-08-26) to 38.96 per cent (PAIG-39) amongstthe strains under testing. A range of 25.60 mm (Dla-08-25) to 28.20 mm (PAIG-325) was observed amongst thestrains under testing. The strain PAIG-325 recordedhighest staple length (28.20 mm) followed by PAIG-62(28.00 mm) and PAIG-39 (27.90 mm). The strain PAIG-39 recorded highest lint yield (487 kg/ha) followed byPAIG-62 (458 kg/ha) and PAIG-325 (446 kg/ha) amongstthe strains under testing. 2.5 % SL of different strainsranged from 26.6 mm (Dla-08-25) to 30.3 mm (PAIG-325). Micronaire value ranged from 4.9 to 5.8. The strainDla-08-26 recorded highest fibre strength (22.4 g/tex)followed by PAIG-325 (21.9 g/tex) and PAIG-39 (21.0g/tex). In general, performance of the strains PAIG-39and PAIG-325 was excellent for seed cotton yield withbetter combination of ginning outturn and staple length.Ludhiana

The entries developed at the Central and South Indianresearch centres possessed excellent fibre properties.For example, some of the entries with low value ofmicronaire included GBaV122 (4.0), RAC024 (4.6),DLSa-8-26 (4.6); for fibre strength PA 528 (23.6 g/tex),AKA 8 (23.2 g/tex), GBaV106 (22.3 g/tex), RAC024(22.3 g/tex), AKA 9703 (22.3 g/tex), PAIG 29 (22.3 g/tex);for 2.5 % span length PA 733 (30.8 mm), GBaV 111(29.9mm), PAIG8/1 (29.7 mm), GBaV122 (28.8 mm),GBaV120 (28.8 mm), DLSa-8-26 (28.6 mm), JLA1600(28.4 mm), RAC024 (28.3 mm), PA08 (28.0 mm), LD987(27.9 mm), DWD-Arb-0901 (27.9 mm), PA646 (27.9 mm).However, the low yield of these genotypes makes theirdirect introduction in the North Zone cotton growingstates unsuccessful. Nevertheless, these entries areuseful sources of genes for better fibre quality. UsingPAIG series lines as one of the parents, advance lineswith enhanced fibre quality have been developed atLudhiana. One of the lines include LD 987 and has been

tested in the common TMC trial. This line is also beingevaluated in the North zonal TMC trial this year. Amongthe newly bulked lines, top five high yielding entriesinclude LD 1010 (1013 kg/ha), LD 1002 (907 kg/ha), LD1013 (862 kg/ha), LD 1011 (853 kg/ha) and LD 998 (835kg/ha). None of the entries out yielded the local arboreumcheck LD 694. LD 999 possessed the minimum value(5.2) for micronaire. GOT values ranged from 28.13 (LD998) to 39.83 % (LD 694). Seed oil content varied from17.3 (LD 694) to 19.2 % (LD 1011).Advance lines namely,LD 909, LD 733, LD 929, have been evaluated in theAICCIP trials and LD 952 is being evaluated in theAICCIP North Zone trials 2009-10Sriganganagar

RG 514, RG 524 and RG 284 were evaluated incoordinated trials of AICCIP/common trials of TMC.These strains were having desired staple length wereeither at par or poor in yields as compare to short staplecheck. However, new lines under testing have shownimprovement not only yields but other fibre traits such asMIC value and tenacity (RG 595, RG 595, RG 504).Sirsa

Under common trial, 15 entries were tested against localarboreum checks, PA-255, CISA310 and hirsutum checkRS-2013 in three replications. No entry can cross thelocal checks (arboreum, CISA 310 (2530.9) & hirsutum,(2417.7 Kg/ha)). Only two entries CISA6 &AKA0209 canout yield common check PA 255(1234.6 kg/ha).The topyielding entries are CISA 6 (1677.0 Kg/ha), AKA 0209(1666.7 kg/ha), RG 509 (1039.1 kg/ha), MDL 2452 (946.5kg/ha) and RG 508 (823.0 kg/ha). The highest spanlength (29.9) recorded by RG 508. Highest strength(20.6 g/tex) recorded by PA 733. The maximum GOT(39.9%) was recorded by AKA 0209. The highest bollweight (2.5 gm) was recorded by CINA369 and PA255.

SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGIESI RECOMMENDATIONS

Bharuch: Varity GBhv-226 (G Cot-25) of G. herbaceumcotton has been recommended by state Agrescocommittee for commercial cultivation.

Jalgaon: One variety Phule JLA-794 released andnotified from the A.R.S. Jalgaon for rainfed tract ofMaharashtra.

Nagpur: CINA 316 was submitted for release underAICCIP IN 2007-08. CINA 333 has been submitted toNBPGR for Registration in 2009-10Parbhani: 1. Variety PA-402 hirsutized desi cottonvariety released in 2003, 2. PA-08 identified forprerelease

Sri ganga nagar: Variety RG 42 has been recommendedfor adaptive trial in zone 1B of Rajasthan by the ZonalResearch & Extension Advisory Committee in its meetingon March 8-9, 2010

Sirsa: Variety CISA 614 released and notified forcommercial cultivation in north zone (Punjab, Rajasthan& Haryana).

EFFORTS MADE TO POPULARIZE THE

TECHNOLOGY I RECOMMENDATION DEVELOPED

Akola: Front line demonstration were conducted onfarmers field.Banswara: Conducted FLD of newly developed varietyof station pratap kapi 1 and introduced variety Turrab atfarmers fieldJalgaon: The variety JLA-794 developed at this center issuperior in yield in comparison to tetraploid cotton varietyLRA-5166 in field trials. With the help of KVK's andextension functionaries of Department of Agriculture, thearea under the newly developed variety Phule JLA-794 isincreased. The KVK Nandurbar and Maharashtra StateSeed Corporation also actively participated in seedproduction and distribution of seed of this variety.Nagpur: CINA - 316 was demonstrated in the interiortribal tract of Melghat region and it yielded 595 kg/haunder very marginal red laterite soils where the farmersare very poor and migratory.Parbhani: On farm trials of promising genotypesconducted on farmers field.Sirsa: FLDofCISA310wasconducted.